248 ADVANCED PHYSIOLOGY 



In summer weather underclothing should be of cotton or of 

 some good absorbent material rather than of wool. In winter 

 when the amount of perspiration is less and its evaporation 

 from the skin a matter of much smaller consequence than in 

 summer, woollen underclothing is not unwise, although cotton 

 is entirely suitable. If one passes most of his time in winter 

 in highly heated rooms, he should wear the same kind of 

 underclothing that he wears in the spring and fall. 



BURNS AND FROSTBITES 



Although burns and frostbites are extremely common in- 

 juries to the skin, either of them may be serious if severe. 

 Ordinary burns may be simply treated. After the pain has 

 been relieved by plunging the burned part into cold water or 

 bathing it with water containing common baking soda, the 

 application of a little vaseline to exclude the air is all that is 

 necessary. 



If the clothing catches fire, however, prompt action and 

 more careful treatment are required. Pick up anything at 

 hand which will serve as a wrapper; a rug, blanket, shawl, 

 or overcoat will serve. Wrap the person quickly to 

 smother the flames, throwing him down if necessary and 

 rolling him over and over in the wrapping material. After 

 the flames are extinguished remove the clothing from the 

 burned spots with great care and gentleness, cutting it and 

 softening it with water if it adheres to the skin. Be especially 

 careful not to break the blisters that have formed. Then 

 anoint the burned parts with vaseline, and in all severe cases 

 summon a physician at once. 



Frostbites are generally confined to the fingers and toes, 

 ears and nose; in other words, to those parts where the blood 

 flow is least vigorous and where there is a large surface ex- 

 posed to the cold air. The muscles may, however, be con- 

 cerned as well as the skin. When a limb is frozen the water 

 in the blood and muscles is partly turned into ice. If it is 



